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22. If the chain and bar become pinched or trapped in branches too high to reach, seek advice from a pro-
fessional tree service specialist about safe removal of the cutting means.
WARNING:
Check that all the shaft couplings on the extension pole and tool are securely fastened before each
use and at frequent intervals.
OPERATION – PRUNING
1. Study the condition of the tree and branches before starting work. If there are signs of damage, rot or
decay, do not attempt to prune yourself. Damaged or rotten branches are highly unstable. Seek the ser-
vices of a professional tree surgeon.
2. Never stand under the branch to be pruned.
3. Pruned branches do not always fall cleanly to the ground. They are easily caught and deected by
other foliage. Ensure that a safety zone at least twice the length of the branch to be cut is available and
maintained during your pruning. If this is not possible, seek the services of a professional tree surgeon.
4. Ensure that the falling branch is not a danger to yourself, bystanders or property including utility cables.
5. Never operate the tool with the pole at an angle of greater than 60° from the horizontal.
6. Never operate the pruner with the cutting means closer than 10 m from overhead power lines.
7. Do not force the tool, let the chain do the work at its own speed.
8. Do not try to cut the branch too close to the tree trunk. Leave about 15 cm from the trunk to the cut.
9. Rest the saw bar on the branch to be pruned and push the saw gently forwards so that the ribbed
bumper also contacts the branch. This will aid stability, cutting and provide cleaner cuts.
10. Small branches which are both thin in diameter and not heavy can be cut with one cut using the bottom
of the saw bar.
11. For larger diameter and heavier branches where the branch may break or split during the cut should be
cut rst from under the branch using the top of the saw bar. Make this cut approximately one third of the
way through the branch. Then make a second cut from above the branch using the bottom of the saw
bar .
12. Consider pruning large branches in manageable sections rather than as a whole.
13. Never try to restart a previous cut with the chain and bar in the earlier cut. Always start a new cut.
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